Dental care is essential for your entire body. But it’s not something we think about unless something hurts.

Little aches here and there sometimes indicate a bigger problem. As a matter of fact, severe pain may be more than your tooth pain. Sometimes, it can mean an emergency that requires immediate treatment to save your teeth.

But what is a dental emergency, and how do you know when you need to see a dentist? Leave it to the experts, right?

Read the signs below to see if your next dental appointment should be sooner rather than later.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

It could be an indication of a broken tooth if you suffer sudden and extreme sensitivity to heat or cold. If you have a loose or out-of-place tooth, it could be a sign of an infection or abscess.

Swelling in the Jaw

Swelling can be caused by an infection, abscess, or tooth decay. If you do not seek treatment, the swelling can spread to other parts of your face and head and can become life-threatening.

Bleeding From the Gums

If you are bleeding from your gums or mouth, it is vital to see a dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, the bleeding may be due to a simple issue like gingivitis, but it could also be a sign of a more severe problem.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

If you frequently caress or touch your cheek or jaw, you may have a cracked or fractured tooth. You may have a tooth infection if you have any form of dental pain.

It’s advisable to see a dentist immediately away if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.

Severe Toothache

This is usually accompanied by swelling, redness, and inflammation. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek professional help immediately.

Emergency dental care can help relieve your symptoms and get you back on track to good oral health. This is because a tooth hurting can be a sign of a cavity or an infection, and if you have a fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes, these can also be signs of an infection.

Cavities that go untreated can lead to infections and feeding issues. They can cause learning and playing issues in children. So, find a dentist who can help you.

What are cavities anyway? If you want to learn more about cavities and how to avoid their devastating effects, ask your dentist for certain information.

Assessing a Dental Emergency

If you experience severe dental pain, have a tooth that has been knocked out, or are bleeding from the mouth, you may be having a dental emergency. Contact your dentist immediately and schedule an appointment.

Do not wait to see if the pain goes away, as this could lead to further damage or infection.

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